Rensselaer rises to 27-8 record as the playoffs approach

The softball team travelled north to Skidmore College this Saturday for their last regular season doubleheader. The Engineers broke even, winning 15-3 for the first game and losing 6-5 for the second.

Junior Stephanie Caudle pitched the first game,with six strikeouts in five innings. For offense, junior left fielder Morgan Kollmeier had two RBIs on her two hits: a single to right in the fourth and then opposite field to left in the fifth.

The second game kept going back and forth, with the Thoroughbreds finishing on top after they scored in the bottom of the fifth to secure the lead for the next two innings.

Sophomore shortstop Victoria Greco earned two RBIs off her triple down the left field in the fourth, leaving the Engineers up 5-3 going into the bottom of the inning. Senior Victoria Hepworth pitched 4.2 innings, facing 31 batters and allowing eight hits, five walks, while picking up three strikeouts.

Caudle came in for the relief for the Engineers, yet Rensselaer could not get the bats going, while their opponents did, leaving Saratoga on a 6-5 loss.

As the regular season has come to a close, Kollmeier shared her experience of the season. “Going into this season, we knew we had a lot of talent but talent can only take you so far. As the season has progressed, we have shown a lot of heart, drive, and will to win. We’ve continued to find ways to win no matter the situation, and all of the girls have stepped up big to make this happen. Our pitchers have been throwing great, the infield has been making some awesome plays, and the outfield has been solid all year. We play our best when the pressure is on, and that’s exactly what we have right now. Looking ahead, we have the chance to host the Liberty League playoffs if a couple of league games between other schools go our way. Our coach is making sure we stay focused on the games we have ahead and continue to work hard.”

The Engineers will travel to Rochester, N.Y. to play the Skidmore College Thoroughbreds for the first game of the Liberty League tournament on Thursday, May 5.